September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day that aims to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented. In these difficult days of extended COVID-19 restrictions and the subsequent loss of jobs and housing security, the devastating impact of isolation and loneliness, more than ever the spotlight has been shone on mental health, reinforcing the importance of keeping this issue at the forefront of our concerns, and our advocacy work.

Catholic Social Services Australia is calling on the Australian Government to ensure the needs of children and vulnerable families are priorities in the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. CSSA comprises 60 member organisations providing social services in more than 650 communities across Australia. The network supports some of the country’s most vulnerable people.

“The latest report from the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board is not a celebration of good healthcare, but a sad story of the loss of hope and care for vulnerable people." The Victorian Bishops of Victoria release a statement on 2 September 2020 in response to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board’s Report of Operation January – June 2020.

In response to the Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2020/21 ‘To Live Life to the Full’ on mental health, and consistent feedback and discussion over the past few weeks with member organisations and others in the community, Catholic Social Services Victoria is hosting a lunchtime zoom network forum on counselling and therapeutic supports available in the time of COVID-19, from 12:30pm-2:00pm, on Wednesday 9th September, which is the day before World Suicide Prevention Day.